Review: Morel Biggie Bluetooth Speaker
Internally, there's a 60-watt Class D (45-W woofer + 15-W tweeter) amplifier with a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz. Morel uses a customized DSP with dynamic EQ, but there's no smartphone app, no Wi-Fi streaming, no room calibration, no Dolby Atmos, no voice control, no EQ tweaking. And day-to-day I didn't miss any of it.
The controls will feel a bit antiquated to app-control lovers, with plenty of press-and-hold options to access TWS and change sources. But silly battery level indicator control aside (you have to press and hold both volume buttons to light up a percentage of said buttons to show you the remaining juice), they're easy to ignore. Sound Quality
Setup was as simple as you'd expect from a Bluetooth speaker without smarts, and remained rock solid throughout many hours of testing. As a consumer tech journalist I know I should be aghast at the lack of bells and whistles here, but the combination of solid audio performance and a complete lack of technological friction was a joy. Insert your own Sonos joke here.
The Biggie is not going to unearth sonic subtleties from your favorite Blue Note recordings, but it won't offend you either. It's an impressively punchy sounding mono speaker with real presence and volume. Given that it weighs just 5.7 pounds and measures a mere H7 x W7 x D4.5 inches, its room-filling abilities are seriously impressive.
Listening to 'The Look' by Metronomy, there's an appealing crispness to the high end, with a well-organized middle that thrives on the track's enthusiasm. Bass is controlled here, too, but the speaker does favor lower frequencies. Kick drums and bass guitars can sound a little too forward in the mix, but it is controlled—helped, no doubt, by the quality cabinetry and drivers.
Courtesy of Morel
This profile sounded great listening to the classic rat-a-tat opening to Paul Simon's '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.' However, with dance and hip-hop, it could feel a touch thunderous in a small space. Take it outside though and the punch works on the patio. It's not IP-rated, mind you , so watch for pool parties and showers.
Would a smartphone app with adjustable EQ help here? Maybe, but if you like your bass forward in the mix, you'll probably love listening to 'Juicy' on the aptly named Biggie. Alternatives
The Biggie's construction is a revelation, offering classic hi-fi bookshelf build quality in a compact Bluetooth design. This is where your money is being spent. It is portable, and the battery life is acceptable, but it looks more at home on a desk than being carried around.
While it lacks the bass-forward presentation, the stylish Audio Pro T3+ ($200) offers a better battery life and more balanced sound quality, plus it has Airplay for iPhone users. This might be better if you're looking for a more nuanced performance and still want to avoid smart features.
If portability isn't an issue, the Sonos Era (9/10 WIRED Recommends) and JBL Authentics 200 (9/10 WIRED Recommends) take up a similar amount of space, sound superb, and come stuffed full of smart controls. But if you want to keep things simple and have a healthy respect for both bass and build quality, you'll love the Biggie.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
23 Outdoor-Friendly Father's Day Gifts From Amazon For Anyone Trying To Make Sure Dad Enjoys Some Fresh Air
An inflatable beach pillow designed not to blow away *and* with a slot to insert a cooling gel pack. If your dad grumbles about family days at the beach, this gift is sure to help him sleep the day away in comfort. A camping hammock so you can let your dad know how much you appreciate ~hanging~ out with him. Even if he is more of an inside cat, he's gonna be shocked how comfortable he can be while outside thanks to this! A pair of binoculars for scoping out some fun feathered friends way up high, or for getting a glimpse of the view ahead if he gets too tired to finish the hike he goes on. TBH, clever. A National Park-themed hiking blanket that's lightweight, machine-washable, and incredibly cozy, for fathers who know it's great to have some time in the great outdoors. A game-changing AI-powered smartphone stabilizer so he can capture outdoor photos and videos with seamless, cinematic shots. The tourists surrounding him on his next vacation are going to drop their jaws in awe seeing his robot-photo-arm while they're trying to figure out how to bend their bodies at unnatural angles so they can capture both themselves and the waterfall behind their backs. A pair of LED headlamps — it's gonna be a ~bright~ idea to give this practical gift to fathers who like an outdoor adventure, but act like they're allergic to the sun. The multiple settings and adjustments are gonna be particularly handy if your dad is planning on exploring any *gulp* caves this summer. A pack of rainbow fire packets, so stunning that Dad may actually convince the teenagers to come outside and look at something other than their phones. A giant bubble kit with a two-handle wand for dads who want to be the *favorite* grandpa. This clever contraption makes eye-bogglingly big bubbles, which means your dad is sure to be a hit with all the grandkids every time he takes them outside for a bubble show! A set of waterproof globe lights that'll look lovely strung around your dad's homemade fire pit or placed across his porch. Treat him to calming nighttime vibes and get these lights. A pair of waterproof, LED-lit Bluetooth speakers so dad can have surround sound tunes, practically perfecting the ambiance of his yard. Plus, these are surprisingly good-looking! Go ahead, consider this gift outdoor decor. A standing weeder with three steel claws that grip weeds and roots so your gardening pops is able to pull them out while standing. No more bending down all day while pulling out weeds! His backyard will have never looked better (and his back will have never FELT better)! A seeding square kit that'll guide your dad if he's good at talking about starting a garden, but really has no idea how it works. This kit is basically a cheat sheet, helping him know where best to put seeds and reminding him where they are after they're snug in the soil. A hammock chair — this outdoor seating is gonna make his backyard look lovely and possibly become *your* favorite seat when you come to visit. Which is gonna be more often with a hammock this cozy hanging around! You are the REAL gift. Or a classic wooden swing so he can people-watch from the comfort of his front porch. Rock on. A waterproof tent that'll keep rain, wind, and flying bugs out of his temporary home (as long as he pays atTENTion to the instructions when putting it together). An outdoor daybed — a splurge-worthy gift worth going in on with your siblings. This has a retractable canopy to keep him nice and cool (and sunburn-free!). It'll be a downright dreamy nap spot *and* it divides into a super useful seating area when he has folks (re: YOU) over. A ThermPro meat thermometer with a Bluetooth temperature tracker boasting a whopping 650 ft. range, so he can keep an eye on how the food's lookin' while sitting and relaxing. Thanks to this, you can *all* be confident that the meat your dad cooks is actually, you know, cooked. An outdoor pizza oven that'll give him another great excuse to cook outdoors on breezy summer nights. And, ahem, feed *you* delicious homemade pizza. Thanks, Dad. A wave surf shaper to turn rocky, uneven lake waves made by the boat into smooth, curved, and *perfect* ocean-like waves that are primo for your dad's favorite pastime: surfin'. A tall table-cooler combo for keeping all the drinks and snacks your pops could possibly want by the fire pit, rather than risk making him go back into the house to grab a beer. Because once he's sitting, he's there for the night! A beginner's telescope to give fathers who are absolutely dazzled by the night sky. Here's to finding ways we can continue getting a liiittle bit closer! A fly fishing rod and reel combo pack that'll have your dad's heart (and lures) soaring. An inflatable kayak you can get for your father if you know he ~blows up~ when he hasn't had enough time out on the lake and would appreciate a new excuse to go out there.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Here's How AirTags Compare To Other Trackers
If you haven't purchased a Bluetooth tracker yet, there are plenty of reasons to do so. With the help of one of these gadgets, you can easily find your phone, keys or wallet and save yourself a headache if you're prone to losing them. You can keep track of your luggage while you're traveling. You can attach a tracker to your pet's collar to make sure you always know where they are. Simply put, Bluetooth trackers can be one of those inventions you didn't know you needed until you bought it. But which one is best? You've probably heard the most about Apple's AirTags, which are reader-beloved. But they're not the only ones on the market, and they aren't compatible with non-Apple devices. Below, we broke down some of the best Bluetooth trackers and what makes each of them stand out, so you can choose the best option for your needs. To create our list, we only considered options with a minimum 4-star rating on Amazon, which eliminated products like the Chipolo Pop and Pebblebee Clip. The undefeated Apple AirTag for Apple users Highlights: Works with Apple's Find My network, ultra-slim and small design, most precise location tracking, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Doesn't work with Android devicesThe AirTag was crowned one of the best Bluetooth trackers by Wirecutter, and for good reason. The AirTag's ultra-wideband technology is extremely accurate for helping you find lost items. (Note that it won't work on iPhone 6s or earlier models, but devices of this age are also no longer supported by Apple.) The AirTag setup is also ridiculously easy, as it uses the Find My network — so if you have an Apple device, you don't even need to download a separate app. You can put the AirTag into Lost Mode so that you get a notification when it's detected in Find My, and the AirTag also has a built-in speaker so it can play sounds when you're looking for it.(Yes, AirTag batteries can be replaced, but there are reports that certain bitterant coatings can cause incompatibility. While Apple specifically suggests using a Duracell 2032 lithium battery with bitterant coating, anecdotal online evidence suggests that even this Apple-recommended battery doesn't work. The brand also advises looking for batteries that clearly advertise compatibility with AirTags.)Bottom line: If you're already an Apple user, this is a no-brainer choice for convenience of setup. The ultra-precise location tracking is also a great reason to choose this it from Amazon for $24.95. The Tile by Life360 Pro for unbeatable battery life Highlights: works with both iOS and Android, can send an SOS alert or make a silenced phone ring, 500-foot range, has a replaceable battery, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: The most expensive tracker, bigger than some alternativesThe Tile Pro is bigger and more expensive than the AirTag and some of Tile's other offerings (more on those later), but it works with more devices (iOS and Android) and uses the Life360 app, which you may already have downloaded. It boasts a 500-foot Bluetooth range and a few features the AirTag lacks, like the ability to send loved ones an SOS alert if you're ever in an unsafe situation. The Tile Pro's battery, which lasts a year, can also be replaced with affordable batteries to help the device last even line: The Tile Pro is a great choice for Android users, and the extra few dollars over other models may very well be worth it thanks to the replaceable it from Amazon for $34.99 (also available in 2- and 4-packs). The Tile by Life360 Mate, for a cheaper and smaller option Highlights: Smaller and more affordable than the Pro, has many of the Pro's same features, comes in multiple colors, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: Has a shorter Bluetooth range, battery is not replaceableThe Tile Mate can add some fun to Bluetooth tracking with more color options, as pictured here. It's cheaper, shorter and narrower than the Tile Pro, so if you're hoping for a less clunky design that still has the SOS alert capability and the convenience of using Life360, the Tile Mate is for you. Just note that the Mate has a range of 350 feet compared to the Pro's 500, and that you can't replace the line: This may be a good starter tracker if you're not sure about committing to the Pro yet, and stands out from the pack with its fun it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in six colors). The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for Samsung users Highlights: One of the more affordable trackers, uses ultra-wideband technology like the AirTag, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy devicesThe Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 uses Samsung's SmartThings Find app to help you keep track of your things with ultra-wideband technology (this is similar to the AirTag using the Find My network). The SmartTag 2 can send out audible signals to help you find your lost items. Lost Mode also displays your contact information and a message on the smartphone of whoever found line: If you have Samsung Galaxy devices, this could be a good way to keep track of them, but it probably won't be relevant for most it from Amazon for $19.05. The Tile by Life360 Slim, designed specifically for wallets Highlights: Great for wallets, notebooks and other flat items, three-year battery life, works with Life360, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: May not fit all wallets, is not bendable, some reviewers say it's a little quietWhile many things you want to track may have clips to attach trackers, that can be trickier with something like a wallet. Enter the Tile Slim, which is designed to be as thick as two credit cards and slide right in a wallet, passport holder, notebook or tablet case. You can use the Life360 app to ring the Slim when it's within 200 feet to make it easier to find. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your wallet before you buy so you're certain the Slim can line: This is a great idea for keeping track of wallets and similar items, but it'll only make sense for you if it actually fits the places you want to store it from Target for $29.99. The lesser-known Chipolo ONE Spot, which is basically a cheaper AirTag Highlights: The most affordable option, works with the Find My appDrawbacks: Has mixed reviews for battery life and durability, less water-resistant and not dust-resistant with IPX5 ratingIf you want the ability to use the Find My network without paying so much for an individual AirTag, the Chipolo ONE Spot can provide an alternative. (Right now, it's only avaiable in a four-pack on Amazon, but each tracker comes out to less than half the price of an AirTag.) Unlike the AirTag, this has a keyring hole so you can directly attach it to your items. Based on the reviews summary at Amazon, it seems like the quality overall for this one may not be as great long-term as the other options on this list, and the price reflects that. (It does still have a 4-star rating, indicating reviewers find it to be a good value.)Bottom line: We don't recommend this one over the more popular options above, though if you're looking for a cheap option, this could it from Amazon for $17.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Michelle Obama reveals daughter Malia Obama's name change
Michelle Obama is breaking her silence on eldest daughter Malia Obama's decision to drop her last name. Malia Ann, who is pursuing a film career in Hollywood, used her middle name as her artistic name for the credits of short film "The Heart" which she wrote and directed, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. During a Wednesday, June 4, appearance on the "Sibling Revelry" podcast cohosted by Oliver and Kate Hudson, Obama addressed Malia's decision to ditch Obama after former President Barack Obama's second term. The Obamas also share University of Southern California alum Sasha Obama. Michelle Obama to publish new book 'The Look' this fall and 'reclaim' fashion story "Our daughters (Malia and Sasha) are 25 and 23. They are young adult women, but they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away. … They're still doing that," Obama told the Hudson siblings, noting that "you guys know this as the children of parents who are known." Michelle Obama says 'everyone' would know if she divorced Barack Obama: 'I'm not a martyr' The Hudsons are the children of actress Goldie Hawn and previously estranged dad, musician Bill Hudson, although they count Hawn's longterm partner Kurt Russell as a father figure. "It is very important for my kids to feel like they've earned what they are getting in the world, and they don't want people to assume that they don't work hard, that they're just naturally, just handed things," the "Becoming" author added. "They're very sensitive to that – they want to be their own people."On Malia's first project "she took off her last name, and we were like, they're still going to know it's you, Malia," Obama continued. "But we respected the fact that she's trying to make her way." Obama told the Hudson siblings, during the appearance alongside her own brother and "IMO" podcast co-host Craig Robinson, that "our daughters didn't want to be little princesses in the White House." "They wanted to push the envelope; they needed some rope. They wanted to try some things, they wanted to be out in the world, and I knew that under the circumstances, they needed more rope than I probably would've given them if I were my mom," Obama said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did Malia Obama change her name? Michelle Obama on daughter's change
